New Zealand vs South Africa Prediction & Betting Tips - Test Matchs

Prediction published on 23/08/2023, 17:15  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 25/08/2023 at 06:30 in Rugby Predictions

New Zealand and South Africa will square off in a World Cup warm-up match this Friday. The All Blacks are currently ranked second in the world, while the Springboks moved up to third. New Zealand looked incredible in this year's Rugby Championship as they secured the title for a third consecutive year. During that competition, they ran out as unbeaten champions, which included a 35-20 win over this opponent. Since then, New Zealand have played one Test match against Australia at the start of the month and won the encounter 23-20. They are now unbeaten in their last 11 matches, winning ten and drawing one. The All Blacks' last defeat came a year ago against Argentina. Perhaps the biggest strength for the All Blacks is that they have one of the most settled squads as we edge closer to the World Cup. Unlike most other nations, New Zealand have focused on a core group of players while adding a few dynamic youngsters to their ranks. The result of their selection process has been hugely positive, and they are currently the second favourite to win the World Cup in pre-tournament betting. They are also strong favourites to win this match, according to the bookies.

Meanwhile, South Africa have been trying lots of different things within their squad of late in search of the perfect combination. They made wholesale changes for in the Rugby Championship earlier this year, and while they did well, they were some way behind the might of the All Blacks. However, in recent weeks, Jacques Nienaber seems to be closing in on his best team. The Springboks beat Argentina 24-13 at the start of the month. They then followed up with an even better performance last week against Wales, beating the Dragons 52-16 at the Principality Stadium. With those results, the Springboks have now won six of their last seven matches, with their only loss coming against this opponent in that time. For this match, though, Nienaber has named what most consider to be the Springboks best team. It includes the returning influential captain Siya Kolisi and hard hitters Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, and Malcolm Marx. The team selection of the Springboks suggests that they will look to go toe-to-toe with the All Blacks pack. It also indicates that they may try to play more ball-in-hand rugby, which they have been criticized for in recent times. The defending world champions can never be ruled out of any contest they compete in, and a win here could see them shorten in price for the 2023 World Cup.